Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

why make this recipe

This pasta cooks fast and tastes like comfort food. You use the Instant Pot to get creamy pasta with ham and cheese in one pot. It saves time and cuts down on dishes. Try a simple weeknight meal or a cozy dinner for the family. You can also compare other easy pasta ideas like this shrimp pasta for more weeknight options.

introduction

This recipe gives you creamy, cheesy pasta with diced ham. It uses rotini, broth, cream cheese, and cheddar. The Instant Pot cooks the pasta quickly and you stir in cheese at the end. It is good for busy nights and is simple to follow. For ideas on using cooked meats and leftovers, see ways to use rotisserie and cooked meat.

how to make Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

Ingredients :

• 1 16 Ounce Box Rotini
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
• 1 Pound Diced Ham
• 4 Ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)
• 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Milk

Directions :
Add the uncooked rotini along with the chicken broth, water, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ground mustard to the pot. Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes, then do a quick pressure release. Carefully open the pot and stir in the diced ham, cream cheese, and sour cream. Next, stir in the milk, then add the cheese 3 handfuls at a time, stirring in between each addition until smooth. Serve hot from the pot. Spoon into bowls or on plates. Add extra shredded cheese on top if you like.

how to serve Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

Serve it hot in bowls or on plates. Add extra shredded cheddar on top for more cheese. You can also add chopped parsley for color or a side salad to lighten the meal.

how to store Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

Let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, put in a freezer container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.

tips to make Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

• Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts faster.
• Stir the pasta well after pressure release to keep it from sticking.
• Add the shredded cheese slowly and stir until smooth.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
• For more recipe ideas and tips, check this guide: easy pasta ideas.

variation (if any)

• Use cooked chicken instead of ham for a different flavor.
• Swap rotini for shells or bow-tie pasta, but you may need slight time changes.
• Add frozen peas or broccoli at the end for veggies.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Use shells, penne, or bow-tie. Cook time may change, but most similar shapes work.

Q: Can I leave out the hot sauce?
A: Yes. Hot sauce adds a little kick. You can skip it for a milder taste.

Q: Do I need to brown the ham first?
A: No. The diced ham is already cooked. You add it after pressure cooking to heat and keep texture.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: It is hard to get the same creamy result without dairy. You could try dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, but taste and texture will change.

Q: How do I prevent pasta from sticking in the Instant Pot?
A: Add enough liquid and stir the pasta so it sits under the liquid. Quick release the pressure when time is done and stir right away.

Conclusion

If you want the original source and step-by-step photos, see Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta – The Salty Marshmallow.

Ham & Cheese Instant Pot Pasta

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• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pork

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Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with diced ham, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz) Box Rotini
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
• 1 Pound Diced Ham
• 4 Ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)
• 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Milk

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Instructions

1. Add the uncooked rotini, chicken broth, water, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and ground mustard to the pot.
2. Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to sealing.
3. Cook on manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes, then do a quick pressure release.
4. Carefully open the pot and stir in the diced ham, cream cheese, and sour cream.
5. Next, stir in the milk, then add the cheese 3 handfuls at a time, stirring in between each addition until smooth.
6. Serve hot from the pot, spooning into bowls or on plates.
7. Add extra shredded cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for faster melting. Adjust salt and pepper to taste at the end.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, pasta, ham, cheese, quick meal, comfort food